Fri Feb 10 2012
Randolph native Bruce Hartong was awarded the 2009-10 Distinguished Alumni Award at ceremonies during the recent Catholic Schools Week at St. Joseph School in Randolph.
Hartong, son of Kenneth and Mary Ellen Hartong of Randolph, is a clinical laboratory scientist at Summa Health System's St. Thomas Hospital and has held that position for 35 years.
Hartong graduated from St. Joseph School in 1965 and attended Field High School, from which he graduated in 1969. He attended Walsh University in Canton and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1973 and his master's degree in 1996.
"The teachers were all nuns when I attended St. Joseph School," said Hartong. "I remember every one of them and the expectations that they had of the students." Math and science were two subjects in which Hartong excelled both in high school and college and which served him well in his profession.
When asked what changes have been seen over the years at St. Joseph, Hartong said, "I think that St. Joseph School is doing the best they can to prepare the students for the 21st century using technology available to them today. I still see that many students excel to the top of their classes no matter where they end up attending high school. That, in itself, is a tribute to the school."
While attending St. Joseph School, Hartong was active in Boy Scouts and earned his Eagle Scout award. He was Scoutmaster of Troop No. 268 for more than 20 years.
Hartong is proud of the heritage his ancestors have set down for both school and parish. "They were very instrumental in the founding of both school and parish," said Hartong. His parents and in-laws continue to be active in many endeavors at St. Joseph Parish. Two of his nieces are current teachers at the school.
Hartong's heritage traces back to the start of the parish in 1831. "The parish and school are what they are today because of the parishioners who had the foresight back then to start new things at both the school and church and continue that same passion over the past 175 years. Those same community institutions are still in place today," he said.
Hartong is married to Kathy (Wise). They have two children, Jennifer (Zavoda) and Adam Hartong. The Hartongs reside in Randolph, and when they are not active at the church or school, they enjoy spending the remainder of their free time with their two grandsons, Nathan and Jacob.
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